May 13, 2008...3:24 pm
The Past Meets the Present
Pirates starting shortstop Brian Bixler
Last night I caught the tail end of ESPN’s Baseball Tonight. Pirates’ shortstop Brian Bixler appeared twice during “Web Gems,” both times diving up the middle, then flipping the baseball to second base for an out.
I saw a lot of Bixler, attended Eastern Michigan (2002-04), when I was calling baseball games for Ohio University.
In three seasons with the Eagles, Bixler managed a .365 overall average including a .463 clip during his junior year: Pittsburgh drafted him in the second round.
Still, I never thought the guy would be Pittsburgh’s starting shortstop come 2008. Good for him.
Former Bobcat Adam Russell pitches during spring training
On a similar note, the White Sox called-up former Bobcat pitcher Adam Russell (2003-04) on May 2. Obviously, I saw even more playing time from Russell during my stay in Athens.
The kid’s huge frame, 6′8, 250, always had professional scouts paying attention. However, Russell’s numbers on the mound were far from eye-popping at OU, (5-8) allowing 144 hits in 121 innings pitched. That’s aluminum bats for you.
Although, the tall right-hander has still been hit hard in the minor leagues having allowed 159 hits in 139 innings pitched with Birmingham during 2007. So, the Sox are left to figure out what opposing batters already have with Russell’s pitching.
The most notable change Chicago made with Russell is switching him from the rotation to the bullpen. So far, it’s working.
In 10 games at Triple-A Charlotte Russell is (1-0) with a 2.77 ERA. And, he’s also allowed fewer hits than innings pitched, 10 hits vs. 13 IP.
Russell’s first trip to the Majors was brief, he was shipped back down May 5, although, I expect the big man back in Chicago come September.
Perhaps, another future major league prospect - who also made headlines in Ohio athletics - is current Ohio State hurler Jake Hale (5-3). Oddly enough, I also had the privilege of covering Hale while working in Athens.
The catch is I actually never witnessed the right-hander throwing a single pitch! Instead, I covered Jake’s high school career (Alexander H.S.) on the basketball court. Needless to say, his basketball skills are exceptional as well.
Now in his junior season with the Buckeyes, Hale has been dominate lately earning Big Ten Player of the Week honors and sporting a 4-1 record against Big Ten opponents. Last spring he was selected in the 20th round by the Toronto Blue Jays.
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